Both charges are misdemeanors, Gorgos said, but they could be upgraded to felonies if the continuing investigation concludes the amount stolen warrants more severe penalties.

The investigation was launched in February after a loss prevention specialist from Kroger approached Gorgos about large quantities of items being stolen from several of Kroger’s Savannah locations.

“He mentioned that individuals were taking large quantities of laundry detergent, deodorants and things like that,” Gorgos said. “He was asking our assistance in trying to see where people were taking this product, because it was just too large for individual use.”

The investigation revealed Patel would advise shoplifters what items he wanted, said police spokesman Julian Miller. When they returned with them he’d pay much less than their retail value for them.

Undercover investigators were able to conduct five controlled sales at Hari’s, Gorgos said. During those sales, Kroger provided laundry detergent, fabric softener, razors, mouthwash and other items. The goods were marked with an ultraviolet pen for easy identification at the investigation’s completion.

Patel purchased about $1,000 worth of those items from undercover officers for about $150, Gorgos said.

After his arrest, Patel allowed officers to search the store where they located many of the products they’d sold him, Gorgos said. Patel told investigators he was aware he’d purchased stolen property, the detective added.

The investigation is continuing and other Savannah stores are likely to be implicated in the scheme, Gorgos said. Charges are expected to be filed against the owner of another shop soon.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan — Marine Corps Captain James E. Frederick, who ejected from a Marine F/A-18 on Dec. 7, was pronounced dead after his body was found during search and rescue operations.